wingman

noun

wing·​man ˈwiŋ-mən 

-ˌman

1

a

: a pilot who flies behind and outside the leader of a flying formation

b

informal : a male friend or partner who accompanies and supports a man in some activity

While guys find large groups of women intimidating, they think just a few together is the most inviting. If you hang out with a couple of friends, a guy would be able to approach you with a couple of his friends (i.e., wingmen), which would take the pressure off.

—Cosmopolitan

2

: winger

Examples of wingman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That something, a doubling down on the art of the song, is confirmed on Highway Prayers, a studio set produced by longtime L.A. studio guru Jon Brion, wingman on classics by Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Mac Miller, and Kanye West. —Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024

Mase is 9 years old, curious and crafty, and serves as the default wingman for whomever is supposed to be watching him. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

After intermission, Davis becomes Poirot, while Hendrickson takes on the role of somewhat befuddled wingman in Arthur Hastings. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2024

These robotic wingmen would fly themselves and would move ahead of the command plane. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1a